I had not yet made my decision about my sister's desire to marry a Gondorian. She had been left alone so many times in the past. I was reluctant to leave her alone again, in strange land.

Entering the garden, I stopped, for my sister and Faramir were within. They sat together on a bench in the sunlight, and Eowyn held a book in her hands. She was reading from it, slowly but clearly, with only an occasional prompt from the steward. He had taught her to read!

Our uncle hadn't allowed her to learn with my cousin and me, as it wasn't a necessary skill for a woman. Ever had she resented it, and I had not the patience to teach her myself. Now Faramir had, and she radiated excitement as she read the simple children's tale.

I knew from Mithrandir and Aragorn that Faramir was a worthy man, and that he had smiled more in these past weeks than he had in years, despite the loss of his family.

Each provided things the other lacked, and the affection between them could not be denied.

My decision was made. How could I stand in the way of their happiness?